In the wake of Caylee Anthony’s tragic murder case and the murder of eight-year-old Leiby Kletzky in Brooklyn, legislation has been introduced in the New York State Senate that would make sweeping, comprehensive changes to the state’s child protection laws to help protect children from cruel and repeated abuse.

A new law in NY will allow police to stop and ticket drivers they see texting on the road, even when that's the only apparent violation. Previously, police could only cite a driver for the traffic violation if they were stopped primarily for another offense, such as speeding. Please remain conscious of this new law while driving.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In wake of the controversial Casey Anthony murder trial in Florida, state Sen. Andrew Lanza has introduced a bill that would allow prosecutors to bring felony charges against parents who do not quickly report missing children.

The bill -- named "Caylee's Law" -- would make it a Class E felony for a parent or guardian who does not report a child in their custody missing within 24 hours of disappearance.

Senator Andrew Lanza has introduced “Caylee's Law” in New York State which would allow prosecutors to bring felony charges against parents who do not quickly report missing children. The bill would make it a class E Felony for a parent or guardian who does not report a child in their custody missing within 24 hours of disappearance.

With gas prices at historically high levels, Senator Lanza urges motorists to take simple steps to save fuel and reduce carbon emissions during the busy summer travel season. The recommendations are part of an Eco-Driving Campaign sponsored by the I-95 Corridor Coalition, of which NYSDOT is a member.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - ROSSVILLE - A true-blue patriot, Jordan T. Czerniawski fought for his country in the Korean War. And long after his active-duty days were over, he pledged his time to local veterans while remaining a fixture in the community as an upstanding individual. Czerniawski was honored by state Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island) earlier this month with a nomination into the New York State Veterans' Hall of Fame. The Rossville resident's wife of 59 years, Phyllis, accepted the honor on his behalf. Czerniawski, 79, passed away last December. The Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans in New York who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Islanders can request free inspections of their decks and porches through Aug. 1 with violations deferred if there are no immediate risks to public safety. Through Aug. 1, residents of the five boroughs can call 311 to request the free inspection to make sure they are in compliance with all city regulations under the No-Penalty Deck and Porch Inspection Program. Inspectors from the city Buildings Department will check for structural conditions, such as cracking, rotting, failed connections and other signs that can lead to a potential collapse. The agency will only take action to address structural concerns if there is an immediate risk to public safety.